A Storm in Dharamsala: The Dutch Send Shockwaves Through the World Cup

In the heart of Dharamsala, beneath a sky heavy with clouds, South Africa - the World Cup’s juggernaut - clashed with a spirited Netherlands team. It was supposed to be a routine win for the Proteas, but the sport has a penchant for defying scripts. Just days after Afghanistan stunned England, the Dutch delivered a cricketing masterclass that transformed a rainy, low-profile fixture into a historic spectacle.

The Netherlands, having fought tooth and nail to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup, have earned a reputation for punching above their weight, particularly in the T20 format. Yet, in the longer forms of the game, they were still searching for a defining moment to break through the glass ceiling. And tonight, they found it. 

South Africa’s Domination - Prelude to the Fall

South Africa had entered the match as one of the tournament’s hottest teams. Two resounding victories - piling on 428 against Sri Lanka and 311 against Australia - established them as favourites, alongside India. The South African batting had been clinical and aggressive, and the bowlers were in lethal form. When rain reduced the contest to 43 overs, the stage seemed set for another commanding Proteas performance. 

Lungi Ngidi opened the attack, but it was Kagiso Rabada who struck with his very first delivery. Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Ngidi soon joined the party, reducing the Dutch to a perilous 50 for 4. The narrative was unfolding as expected - another South African masterclass in the making. 

But cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability. 

 Scott Edwards: The Architect of Chaos

When the Dutch captain Scott Edwards arrived at the crease, few would have expected the innings to spark into life. But Edwards played like a man possessed, channelling composure and audacity. In a game slipping away, he stitched together two crucial partnerships - 64 runs with the evergreen Roelof van der Merwe, followed by an unbeaten 41-run stand with Aryan Dutt. 

The Dutch clawed back brilliantly, ransacking 105 runs from the final nine overs. Edwards’ unbeaten 78 off 69 deliveries, combined with Dutt’s rapid 23 off nine balls and van der Merwe’s daring 29 from 19, propelled the Netherlands to a competitive total of 245 for 8. 

It wasn’t just runs on the board; it was a statement - one that rattled the Proteas and left them visibly shaken as they walked back into the pavilion. 

When Giants Stumble

The South African response, expected to be a clinical chase, soon turned into a nightmare. On a pitch tinged with moisture and under overcast conditions, the Dutch bowlers kept things tight, relentlessly attacking the off-stump corridor and extracting subtle movement. South Africa’s top order, usually so assured, faltered spectacularly.

Quinton de Kock, one of the tournament’s most dangerous openers, fell to Colin Ackermann’s deceptive delivery. Temba Bavuma was outfoxed by a crafty Roelof van der Merwe — a length ball that angled toward middle and leg, trapping the captain. The in-form Aiden Markram and the reliable Rassie van der Dussen also failed to steady the ship. 

At 44 for 4, the South African batting juggernaut lay in ruins. Their famed stroke-makers appeared hesitant, their footwork sluggish, and their body language betrayed creeping doubt. Van der Merwe, once a South African himself, bowled with venom, dismantling the Proteas like a hunter who knows every move of his prey. 

The Dutch Ascend - Wolves on the Hunt

As South Africa scrambled to regroup, the Netherlands grew in stature. Each dot ball chipped away at the Proteas’ resolve, and every wicket tightened the noose. The Dutch bowlers attacked with the precision of a wolf pack, denying their opponents any breathing space. They didn't just bowl; they pressed, harried, and hunted with an unrelenting zeal. 

With each passing over, the Dutch seemed to revel in their opponents’ discomfort. Fielders dived, cut off singles, and celebrated every half-chance as if it were a match-winner. This was not just cricket; it was an assault on South Africa’s morale — and the Proteas were crumbling under the relentless pressure. 

The Dutch didn’t merely win; they dismantled one of the most formidable sides in the tournament, delivering a performance that will be etched into the annals of cricketing history. 

A Tournament of Upsets and Uncertainty

In a World Cup that has already seen its fair share of surprises, the Netherlands' triumph over South Africa is a stark reminder: no team is invincible, and every match is a new story waiting to unfold. For the Dutch, this victory is more than just two points - it is vindication, proof that they belong on cricket’s grandest stage. 

South Africa, on the other hand, will be left to reflect on a night that began in confident expectation and ended in bitter regret. For all their brilliance, the World Cup has once again revealed the Proteas’ vulnerability to pressure. 

As cricket fans catch their breath and turn their gaze to the blockbusters yet to come, one thing is clear - in this World Cup, the script is far from written, and the Dutch have emerged as the dark horse capable of toppling giants.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

Aravinda de Silva: The Master Craftsman of Sri Lankan Cricket

In the grand narrative of cricket, the stature of a batsman is often measured not by his physical height but by the weight of his achievements. Aravinda de Silva, standing at a mere 5 feet 3 inches, was a colossus in his own right, wielding his bat with the artistry of a Renaissance painter and the precision of a master craftsman. His strokes were a blend of audacity and elegance, his technique an exquisite marriage of instinct and discipline.

The Evolution of a Genius

Sri Lankan cricket, still in its infancy on the international stage when de Silva emerged, was a team in search of an identity. In such an era, de Silva’s approach was both a blessing and a curse. A natural aggressor, he often batted with the reckless joy of a young man at the wheel of a fast car, unafraid of the bends ahead. Yet, in moments of clarity, he displayed the patience of a seasoned traveller who understands that not every road needs to be taken at breakneck speed. His early years were a testament to this duality—brilliant flashes of genius punctuated by moments of impetuousness.

His maiden Test hundred at Faisalabad in 1985, a marathon innings of 122 runs spread over 510 minutes, revealed a steely resolve beneath the attacking exterior. In Karachi, he produced an even finer gem—a lone century on a treacherous pitch, his 105 standing as an island of defiance amid a sea of mediocrity. Yet, despite such displays of brilliance, inconsistency marked his early years. Sri Lanka’s cricketing establishment, not known for its patience, dropped him briefly in 1986-87, a decision that, in hindsight, seems almost laughable.

The Transformation

As he matured, so did his batting. The carefree dasher evolved into a calculating maestro, picking his moments to attack while mastering the nuances of the long game. The 167 against Australia at the ‘Gabba in 1989-90, the monumental 267 at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in 1990-91, and the masterfully paced 148 against India in 1993-94—all spoke of a batsman who had learned to temper his fire without losing its glow.

His dominance at home was undeniable—an average of 52 in Sri Lanka compared to 43 overall—but it was his overseas performances that truly defined him. Unlike many subcontinental batsmen who flourished only in familiar conditions, de Silva was a traveller in the truest sense, adapting his game to the demands of foreign lands. In England, playing for Kent in 1995, he outshone some of the finest county cricketers, proving his mettle in conditions often hostile to Asian batsmen.

The Defining Moment

All great cricketers have a defining moment, an innings that etch their name into the annals of history. For de Silva, it came in Lahore, in the final of the 1996 World Cup. If Sri Lanka’s campaign had been a revolution in limited-overs cricket, then de Silva was its chief architect. His unbeaten 107 against Australia was not merely a match-winning century; it was a masterclass in composure, strokeplay, and the art of the chase. No other man has ever scored a hundred in the second innings of a World Cup final—a feat that speaks to both the magnitude of the occasion and the singular brilliance of its execution.

Yet, his contribution to that final extended beyond his batting. He took three wickets and held two catches, orchestrating Australia’s downfall before scripting Sri Lanka’s historic ascent. This was not just a performance; it was a coronation, a moment when de Silva transcended the game itself to become a symbol of his nation’s cricketing renaissance.

The Legacy

Captaincy was never his forte; he lacked the combative aura of Arjuna Ranatunga, preferring to lead through his performances rather than his words. He was, by all accounts, an unassuming man—docile, mild-mannered, and devoid of the theatrical bravado often associated with cricket’s great leaders. Yet, within the dressing room, he commanded immense respect. As his Kent teammate Graham Cowdrey recalled, “Ari was an inspiration... When he packed his bags, he hugged each of us, and I have never known a professional sports team so close to tears.”

Even in his final act, de Silva chose to depart in style, becoming only the fourth batsman in history to score a double century in his last Test match. It was a fitting farewell for a player who had always been an artist first, a cricketer second.

A Timeless Genius

What made Aravinda de Silva special was not just his runs or records, but how he scored them. He was a batsman who could make time stand still with a single stroke, a player who transformed the mechanics of batting into an aesthetic experience. In an era of power hitters and brute force, his game was a reminder that cricket, at its core, is an art form.

And like all great artists, his legacy is not confined to numbers on a scorecard. It lives on in the memories of those who watched him bat, in the quiet awe of teammates and opponents alike, and in the realization that, sometimes, the smallest man on the field can cast the longest shadow.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Australia’s Grit and Sri Lanka’s Downfall: A Story of Lost Momentum

The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup continues to deliver surprises, none more dramatic than Sri Lanka’s self-destruction against Australia. From a position of dominance at 125 for 0, the Lankan side crumbled spectacularly, gifting Australia a win that seemed improbable just hours earlier. In a tournament already marked by collapses—three in as many days—Sri Lanka became the latest to fall victim to pressure, poor shot selection, and a failure to adapt. 

 A Promising Start, Followed by a Familiar Collapse 

Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, were in imperious form, pummeling Australia’s bowling attack early. At 125 without loss, they appeared poised to post a daunting total. However, as is often the case in cricket, it only takes one breakthrough to change the course of a match—and this time, it was Pat Cummins who orchestrated the turnaround. 

The Australian captain's decision to attack with the short ball bore immediate fruit. Nissanka fell into the trap, hooking straight into the hands of David Warner, sprinting in from deep square leg. A few deliveries later, Cummins came around the wicket, angling the ball into Kusal Perera, who was cramped for space and squeezed out cheaply. Cummins' double strike was the spark Australia needed, exposing Sri Lanka’s middle order far earlier than anticipated. 

Adam Zampa’s Redemption 

At this point, the stage was set for Adam Zampa to make an impact. Having looked unconvincing initially, nursing back spasms, the leg-spinner shrugged off his discomfort and began producing wicket-taking deliveries when Australia needed them the most. 

The stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, in prime form coming into this match, was expected to steady the ship. But Zampa's guile disrupted those plans. By reducing his pace and tossing one up to tempt the aggressive Mendis, Zampa forced the captain into an ill-judged sweep shot straight into Warner's hands. Mendis’ dismissal triggered an avalanche—Sri Lanka lost their way entirely, crumbling under the pressure of scoreboard expectations. 

From 125 for 0, Sri Lanka lost all ten wickets for a paltry 84 runs. As the deck began to slow, making stroke play more difficult, the batters failed to recalibrate their approach. Rather than grafting partnerships to halt the collapse, they attempted reckless strokes, compounding their misery. Australia’s Pragmatic Response.

Australia’s Pragmatic Response

Despite their bowling heroics, Australia’s chase was not without its own challenges. Warner and Steve Smith, both pillars of Australia’s top order, fell early to Dilshan Madushanka, whose left-arm seam proved troublesome. Since the 2019 World Cup, Australia’s top order has struggled against left-arm pace in the powerplay, averaging below 20—an area that remains a glaring vulnerability. 

Enter Marnus Labuschagne. Known more for his solidity than stroke-making in ODIs, Labuschagne’s methodical approach was precisely what the situation demanded. On a slowing pitch, his deliberate accumulation of runs provided the ideal counterbalance to Josh Inglis, who played with fluency at the other end. It wasn’t the most exhilarating cricket, but Labuschagne’s ability to anchor the innings was crucial, turning a potentially tricky chase into a controlled procession. 

Mental Fragility: The Real Test for Australia 

Australia’s victory, though not without hiccups, offers a glimmer of hope for a side that has looked out of sorts early in this World Cup campaign. However, questions linger over their mental resilience—something they will need to fortify if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title. They have earned two valuable points, but consistency will be key moving forward. A single lapse in mental fortitude, as Sri Lanka’s collapse showed, can turn a favourable position into a disaster. 

This match serves as both a cautionary tale and a blueprint. For Sri Lanka, it highlights the importance of adaptability and the dangers of over-aggression on challenging pitches. For Australia, it underscores the value of persistence, pragmatism, and partnerships under pressure. 

As the tournament progresses, both teams will have to learn from this contest: Australia to build on this win and stabilize their campaign, and Sri Lanka to regroup and ensure they don’t squander strong starts again. In cricket, as in life, it’s not just about how you start—it’s about how you finish.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Anil Kumble: The Architect of Indian Triumphs and the Embodiment of Resilience

In the grand theatre of Indian cricket, where Sachin Tendulkar embodied the aspirations of a billion with his bat, Anil Kumble stood as the unwavering sentinel of India’s bowling attack. His craft was not one of extravagant spin or mystical guile but of precision, resilience, and an indomitable will to conquer. If there was ever a moment that encapsulated his stature, it was his staggering 10-wicket haul against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999—a feat as rare as it was poetic. 

That match was no ordinary contest; it was a narrative laden with tension, history, and the weight of past encounters. Chasing an improbable 420, Pakistan found themselves in a position of defiance at 101 for no loss, with Shahid Afridi’s unshackled aggression complementing Saeed Anwar’s silken strokeplay. They seemed to be scripting yet another chapter in their long tradition of successful chases against India. But then entered Kumble, relentless and remorseless, turning the tide in a manner befitting a champion. 

What followed was nothing short of a one-man demolition job. Throughout 18.2 overs, Kumble dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up, reducing them to 207 all out. The sequence was stunning in its inevitability—like a master craftsman, Kumble meticulously worked through each batsman, adjusting his pace and trajectory, forcing errors, and creating chaos. When Wasim Akram nicked behind to give Kumble his tenth wicket, Feroz Shah Kotla erupted in sheer ecstasy. India had conquered Pakistan not just in cricketing terms but in the psychological battle that had long defined their encounters. The scars of the heartbreaking defeat at Chennai in the previous Test were still raw, but Kumble’s spell was more than mere vengeance—it was an assertion of dominance. 

Early Career and Debut

Anil Kumble made his first-class debut for Karnataka against Hyderabad on November 30, 1989, marking the beginning of his journey in Indian cricket. Despite taking four wickets in the match, Kumble's debut was marred by the rare feat of bagging a "king pair" — being dismissed for a duck in both innings. However, this did not deter his confidence, and he was soon selected to play for India Under-19s against Pakistan Under-19s. Kumble showcased his all-round skills in this series, scoring a century (113) in the first Test and another valuable knock of 76 in the second.

Kumble's ODI debut came in the 1990 Austral-Asia Cup against Sri Lanka at Sharjah on April 25. He played a significant role in India’s successful campaign in the tournament, taking wickets in his second match against Pakistan. His ODI career began with a promising start, setting the stage for more notable performances in the years that followed.

Kumble's Test debut came in 1990 during India’s tour of England. In the second Test at Manchester, he managed to take 3 wickets for 105 runs in the first innings, but the match ended in a draw. His first Test series did not see him take many wickets, but it was clear that he had the potential to make an impact in the future.

Irani Trophy and Performance in 1992

Kumble’s breakthrough came in the 1992 Irani Trophy, where he took 13 wickets for 138 runs, playing for the Rest of India against Delhi. This exceptional performance helped him secure a spot in the Indian squad for the 1992 tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. During the tour of South Africa, Kumble displayed his bowling prowess, taking 8 wickets in the second Test. He ended the series with 18 wickets, finishing with an impressive average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 1.84, establishing himself as one of the top spinners in the world.

Dominance Against England in 1993

In 1993, when England toured India, Kumble's contributions were pivotal in India's success. He took 21 wickets in three Tests at an average of 19.8. In the third Test at Bombay, Kumble’s brilliant spell of 7 wickets for 165 runs played a crucial role in India’s victory by an innings and 15 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.

A Different Kind of Leg-Spinner

Anil Kumble was a right-arm leg-spinner known for his unorthodox style. Unlike traditional leg-spinners, Kumble did not rely heavily on turning the ball but instead utilized variations in pace, bounce, and length. His most famous delivery was the "flipper," a faster ball that went straight on with the arm. Kumble’s bowling technique was influenced by the matting pitches in Bangalore, which helped him develop skills in top-spin and over-spin. His ability to bowl fast and with accuracy made him unique among other leg spinners like Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Resilience and Tenacity

Kumble's hallmark was his resilience and relentless desire to bowl long spells, often bowling tirelessly for hours. He once bowled 72 overs in a Test innings, a testament to his stamina and mental toughness. Kumble’s determination was also evident when he played through injury. A famous instance occurred in 2002 during a Test match against the West Indies in Antigua. Despite suffering a fractured jaw after being hit by a delivery from Mervyn Dillon, Kumble returned to bowl and dismissed Brian Lara, showcasing his unwavering resolve.

Kumble's Records and Achievements

5-Wicket Hauls and Caught-and-Bowled Record

Anil Kumble's career is littered with exceptional performances, including more than 30 five-wicket hauls in Test matches, which places him among the elite bowlers in cricket history. Alongside Richard Hadlee, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumble holds the distinction of being one of only four bowlers to achieve this feat. Furthermore, he set a world record for the most caught-and-bowled dismissals in Tests, with 35 such dismissals, accounting for 5.65% of his total wickets.

Fastest to 50 and 100 Wickets

Kumble was one of the fastest Indian bowlers to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving this milestone in just 10 matches. He reached 100 Test wickets in 21 matches, making him the second-fastest Indian bowler after Erapalli Prasanna.

ODI Success

Kumble’s ODI career was also marked by several memorable performances. On November 27, 1993, he recorded his best-ever ODI figures of 6 wickets for 12 runs against the West Indies in the Hero Cup final, a record that stood for years as the best ODI bowling performance by an Indian. His ODI success was further highlighted by his performance in the 1996 World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker for India with 15 wickets, playing a key role in India’s successful run to the semifinals.

Iconic Performances

The 10-Wicket Haul

Kumble's most iconic performance came on February 7, 1999, when he became the second player in history (after Jim Laker) to take all 10 wickets in a single Test innings. This remarkable feat occurred during the second Test against Pakistan in Delhi, where Kumble finished with figures of 10 for 74. His achievement was widely praised and is considered one of the best bowling performances in cricket history. Wisden rated it as the second-best bowling performance of all time, a rare distinction.

Milestone 600 Test Wickets

On January 17, 2008, Kumble reached another career milestone when he became the first Indian bowler and only the third in history to take 600 Test wickets. This milestone came during the third Test against Australia at WACA, Perth, when he dismissed Andrew Symonds. Kumble’s 600th Test wicket further solidified his place among the greatest bowlers to have ever played the game.

Becoming Test Captain

In November 2007, Kumble was appointed the captain of the Indian Test team, following Rahul Dravid's resignation. Kumble made history as the only leg-spinner to have captained India in Test cricket. His leadership began with a 1-0 series victory over Pakistan at home, where his contributions with the ball remained significant.

Captaining India to Historic Wins

Kumble's leadership was marked by several memorable moments, including leading India to a historic series win in the West Indies in 2006, where he took 6 wickets for 78 runs in the final Test, guiding India to victory. He also became the second Indian, after Kapil Dev, to surpass the 400-wicket mark in Tests in 2004.

In 2007, Kumble announced his retirement from ODIs after India’s early exit from the 2007 World Cup. He continued to play Test cricket and in 2008, Kumble scored his maiden Test century, an unbeaten 110 against England at The Oval. This achievement made him the only player in cricket history to have both taken all 10 wickets in an innings and scored a Test century.

Kumble retired from international cricket in 2008, having played 132 Test matches and 271 ODIs. He ended his career as the highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, with 619 wickets. His achievements remain unparalleled, with his 600 Test wickets being a landmark in the history of the game.

Beyond Cricket: The Administrator and Visionary

As he moved beyond the boundary ropes, Kumble embarked on a different journey—one of administration and governance. His appointment as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee was not just ceremonial; it was a reflection of his integrity, intellect, and understanding of the game.

From being India’s premier match-winner to shaping the future of the sport, Kumble’s legacy transcends statistics. He was never the most flamboyant cricketer, nor did he revel in theatrics. He was, in essence, a craftsman—a relentless worker who forged triumphs through sheer will. And as he continues his tryst with cricket in new capacities, one thing remains certain—his story, like his bowling, will always find a way to make an impact.

Kumble’s Enduring Legacy

Anil Kumble’s career is defined by his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and immense contributions to Indian cricket. He was a master of his craft, whose subtle variations, accuracy, and resilience earned him the admiration of cricket fans and players alike. His feats, including his 10-wicket haul, 600 Test wickets, and leadership, have etched his name into cricketing folklore. Kumble remains a benchmark for future generations of bowlers, and his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history continues to inspire players around the world.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Cricket and Resilience: Afghanistan's Triumph in Delhi

"Cricket is the only source of happiness in Afghanistan. Recently, an earthquake devastated many lives, but this victory will bring them joy. This is for them."

Rashid Khan 

In both life and sport, expectations play a curious role. When they are low, disappointments carry less weight. In such moments, one learns to breathe deeper, embrace patience, and find composure. Inner peace settles in—allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than chase outcomes. The paradox of sport is that such serenity often fuels extraordinary performances, producing unexpected victories. And, cricket, with its chaotic beauty, has long thrived on this unpredictability. In the grand theatre of World Cups, upsets remind us that no champion is invincible, and every underdog has its day. 

This truth was reaffirmed in Delhi, where Afghanistan achieved a victory that was not merely statistical but symbolic - an ode to resilience, a celebration of joy amid sorrow. Having been outplayed by Bangladesh and battered by India earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan's hopes seemed faint. Awaiting them next was England, defending champions who had just dismantled Bangladesh in Dharamsala. Few would have expected what was to follow. 

 A Perfect Opening: Gurbaz and Ibrahim Rise 

Afghanistan’s journey to victory began with a formidable partnership at the top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been the shining stars of 2023, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent opening pairs in the game. Out of just three 200-plus ODI opening partnerships this year, two belong to them - a remarkable testament to their synergy. 

They wasted no time in setting the tone against England. Chris Woakes, England’s new-ball specialist, endured a nightmare start. His bowling average with the new ball has been the worst since 2014, and Delhi only extended his misery. His very first ball - a wide - signalled the beginning of an off day. Reece Topley managed to keep things tight from the other end, but Woakes was dismantled. In the first five overs alone, 31 of the 35 Afghan runs came off his bowling. 

Afghanistan’s early aggression paid dividends as they raced to a strong platform, determined to avoid the collapses that have haunted them in the past. Unlike previous outings, this time the middle and lower orders displayed maturity and poise, stabilizing the innings whenever the English bowlers struck. Their total of 284 seemed challenging - not least because of how they dismantled pace, accumulating 189 runs against it with minimal damage. 

 Spin Sets the Stage: The Afghan Bowlers Respond

With spin-friendly conditions in Delhi, England’s spinners hinted at what was to come, taking five wickets for just 89 runs at an economy rate below four. This previewed a tantalizing evening under the lights - one where Afghanistan’s own spinners would take centre stage. 

The first blow came from Fazalhaq Farooqi, whose inswinger bamboozled Jonny Bairstow. But it was Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan who orchestrated England’s downfall. Mujeeb’s mastery was on full display when he dismissed Joe Root with a flipper that kept low. Root, caught on the back foot, could do nothing but watch as the ball crashed into his stumps. 

Nabi soon sent Dawid Malan packing with a sharp catch at short cover, and Rashid Khan’s subtle variations proved too much for Liam Livingstone, who was clean-bowled by a straight delivery after misjudging the line. Naveen-ul-Haq then produced one of the finest deliveries of the tournament, a searing inswinger that breached Jos Buttler’s defence - leaving the England captain stunned. 

 England's Lone Hope and Afghanistan’s Ruthless Closure

Harry Brook stood alone, the only English batter to offer any real resistance. Yet even his determination wasn’t enough to stem the Afghan tide. As England’s hopes flickered, the Afghan spinners turned venomous. Mujeeb’s carrom balls and deceptive pace changes were like rattlesnakes striking from the shadows. Rashid Khan’s leg-spinners and wrong’uns mirrored a spitting cobra, leaving the English batters bewildered and paralyzed. 

What unfolded was not just a defeat but a dismantling. England, a team with cricketing roots tracing back to 1739, found themselves outplayed by a side whose cricketing journey began just two decades ago. The victory carried an undeniable poetic weight - it was achieved in Delhi, the heart of an empire England once ruled, by a team that has emerged from the ashes of war and hardship. 

A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard

Afghanistan’s triumph over England was not just another upset in a tournament filled with surprises. It was a story of defiance, hope, and joy - a testament to how sport can offer solace amid despair. For a nation reeling from a recent tragedy, this victory was a moment of collective happiness, a flicker of light in dark times. Cricket, with all its glorious uncertainties, had once again reminded the world that no dream is too distant, no opponent too mighty. 

In the grand tapestry of World Cup history, Afghanistan’s win will stand tall - not merely as a statistical milestone but as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of a team and a nation.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar